Kurtley Beale says his heart is still with Tahs, despite no new deal

Sports Reporter

Key man: Kurtley Beale has been a standout performer for the Waratahs over the course of their championship-winning season. Photo: Getty Images

Kurtley Beale is yet to confirm if he has signed a new deal with the Waratahs.

But on Tuesday, the star NSW playmaker reaffirmed that his heart remains firmly with the new Super Rugby champions.

Speaking at a victory parade for the Waratahs at Martin Place in Sydney's central business district, Beale did not hold back his emotion over the side's final win against the Crusaders at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

Beale, for whom the final was his 100th Super Rugby game, said when asked how he felt after the Waratahs 33-32 victory: ''Bloody good … it's been crazy, unbelievable. These guys are an amazing bunch of boys and we did it. How good?''

Advertisement

Beale, who has scored a career best of eight tries in Super Rugby this season, said he savoured having turned the tables on the Crusaders who beat NSW in the 2008 final at Christchurch in which he played.

''It's a special feeling to be able to deliver a performance like we did the other night,'' Beale said before an estimated lunchtime crowd of 5000 people.

''Obviously, it was disappointing to lose to them back in '08, but these guys … we have worked really hard all year.

''The special thing about it [is] we all put in together, put in the hard yards to chase and win the title.

''To win it in front of our fans means the world to everyone, all the boys.

''You can't take that feeling away from us … it is going to be there forever.''

Beale is off contract with the Waratahs, and faces myriad options in rugby union and league in Australia and overseas.

Asked if he would remain at NSW as he had indicated on Saturday night, Beale said: ''Yeah, mate … it's a special feeling.

''Obviously, I'll leave it up to my manager. But I love the boys. I love being back here in NSW. I love being home.''

Waratahs halfback and fellow Wallaby Nick Phipps said that apart from ''a bit of banter'', NSW players had left Beale to settle on his future without being pressured.

But Phipps, who like Beale joined the Waratahs from the Rebels after last season, interpreted Beale's remarks on his future as a strong sign that he has decided to stay at NSW.

''We want what is the best for Kurtley,'' Phipps said. ''We would have been happy with whatever his decision was.

''He is a phenomenal bloke. You can't really hold a bloke back for doing whatever.

''Thank God he has stayed. We are stoked. We are really, really happy.''

Asked if Beale had announced his decision to the team, Phipps said: ''Not yet. I just heard it up there [on the stage].

''He knew he is probably going to stay ... He is happy in NSW.

"The Tahs is the place where he grew up. I can't see him really leaving there.''

Phipps said the Waratahs' win vindicated his decision to leave the Rebels for NSW.

''Me and Kurtley were talking before about the decision, and how great it is to come back home," he said.

"It is something that I will never regret.''

Phipps believes the Waratahs win over the Crusaders could help the Wallabies in their opening Rugby Championship game against the All Blacks back at ANZ Stadium on August 16.

''The Crusaders are chock-full of All Blacks. They are a very good team,'' said Phipps, who will join the Wallabies on their country road tour on Wednesday along with other selected Waratahs.

"Hopefully, we have done our little bit to get inside the Kiwi psyche."